Geo: 60.3881, 5.33185The Nordkapp docked at Bergen on Wednesday afternoon about 2-30pm We were off quickly and a short taxi ride took us to our hotel, Hotel Augustin. This is an historic hotel, right near the harbour front and it is the place that Amunsden stayed at before his North Pole expedition. We have a fantastic room on the corner with windows on three sides and views across to the Cruise ship dock and Bryggen.Having checked in it was off for a stroll around the town. We walked along the harbour front to the Fish Market. Here were plenty of stalls stacked with all kinds of fish, Monkfish, salmon,trout lobsters, mussels etc etc. Nearby were cafes willing to prepare the fresh fish you have just bought. At the head of the harbour were more stalls selling ... read more

Geo: 69.6489, 18.9551Our Sunday started at midnight with a concert in the Arctic Cathedral in Tromso. We were given a wonderful hour of music from three talented musicians. The soprano Anne-Berit Buvik had a soaring voice which did justice to a beautiful rendition of Ave Maria and several haunting Norwegian folk songs including Solveig's song from Peer Gynt. The flautist, Hanne-Sofie Akselsen played both flute and spring flute and the pianist, Robert Frantzen added wonderful depth to both traditional Norse music as well his own arrangements. Truly a night to remember.The day's sailing along the fjords proved to be magnificent. We had wonderful sunshine and the sea was like glass. We sailed from Harstad between two islands,Andoya and Hinnoya. We stopped briefly in Risoyhamn to see the stone which has been signed by three different kings ... read more

Geo: 59.3327, 18.0645We had two main objectives today and we achieved both.Our first foray was down the hill and into the Old Town, Gamla Stan. This, like all old parts of European cities, is the most attractive . Here there are narrow streets, mostly now pedestrians only, lined with cafes and souvenir shops. Strolling along we saw many attractive buildings and interesting small shops. We came out next to the Royal Palace. Our Stockholm Card gave us entry into this so we decided to go into the Royal Apartments. We first went into the Hall of State which was a Throne Room. This, like most of the rest of the palace was marble, mainly green and grey, with statues as decoration. Not much glitz. From there we proceeded through several rooms dedicated to the various orders ... read more

Geo: 55.75, 37.62Sunday was our real last day in Moscow. In the morning we went to Gorky Park. We had not gone there during our two previous visits and thought Sunday morning was a perfect time. It was only one stop on the Metro and then a short walk across the bridge to the other side of the river.There were many Muscovites all doing the same and many families taking advantage of the warm sunshine. We walked through the gates and walked along the wide street filled with roller skaters, cyclists and skate boarders. In the distance we could see the Space Shuttle we had been told was there. This is now used to shelter the bike hire depot and looked a little worse for wear up close.Then it was into the park itself. This is ... read more

Geo: 55.75, 37.62We headed out of the city today for the second excursion offered to us free of charge. This was to the town of Sergei-Passad where the Trinity Monastery of St Sergius is located.As we travelled there we realised that this was the same place we had come to in 2008 only then we were told it was called Zygorsk. However, that time it was pouring rain and we had to fend for ourselves for lunch. Today the sun was shining and we were promised lunch in the Monastery.It took two hours to drive there through chaotic Moscow traffic and then out onto the country road, through birch forests where small wooden houses nestled between the trees. We arrived about 11am and walked in groups to the front entrance. This impressive gate is called Beautiful ... read more